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Deck the Halls
Christie Tate is so over being good. This year, she’ll be topping the naughty list, thank you very much. And step one in her grand scheme? It’s seducing the man she’s always wanted…sexy police detective Jonas Kirk. For years, she’s wanted Jonas, but he’s her brother’s best friend, and she thought he was off-limits.
This year, nothing is off-limits.
When Jonas takes the roll of Santa at the office Christmas party, Christie gives him a hot, holiday wish list that changes everything between them. Now that he knows how Christie really feels, Jonas is determined to give her a Christmas that she will never forget.
Author’s Note: DECK THE HALLS was originally published as “All I Want For Christmas” in THE NAUGHTY LIST anthology (2010). The “classic” tale has been updated and expanded for your holiday reading pleasure. Ready to deck some halls? In the mood to fa, la, la? Let’s go! Snow-melting, romance-filled times are on the Christmas agenda! DECK THE HALLS is a holiday novella (30,000 words) sure to get you in the festive mood.
This year, nothing is off-limits.
When Jonas takes the roll of Santa at the office Christmas party, Christie gives him a hot, holiday wish list that changes everything between them. Now that he knows how Christie really feels, Jonas is determined to give her a Christmas that she will never forget.
Author’s Note: DECK THE HALLS was originally published as “All I Want For Christmas” in THE NAUGHTY LIST anthology (2010). The “classic” tale has been updated and expanded for your holiday reading pleasure. Ready to deck some halls? In the mood to fa, la, la? Let’s go! Snow-melting, romance-filled times are on the Christmas agenda! DECK THE HALLS is a holiday novella (30,000 words) sure to get you in the festive mood.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2020
45 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
311 books6,813 followersAward-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 24, 2020
Actual rating 3.75 stars.
This Christmas is very different for Christie, the ‘good girl’ of her family and her brother’s best friend, Jonas.
The beginning of the story kind of threw me off. Nothing was explained and everything just sort of happened.
The pacing does get better as the story progresses.
Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of pet names so Jonas’ constant use of ‘baby’ was slightly irritating to me.
I did like the chemistry between Christie and Jonas. It was interesting to see each character from the other's point of view.
I also liked the business side plot and Jonas' complicated backstory.
This Christmas is very different for Christie, the ‘good girl’ of her family and her brother’s best friend, Jonas.
The beginning of the story kind of threw me off. Nothing was explained and everything just sort of happened.
The pacing does get better as the story progresses.
Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of pet names so Jonas’ constant use of ‘baby’ was slightly irritating to me.
I did like the chemistry between Christie and Jonas. It was interesting to see each character from the other's point of view.
I also liked the business side plot and Jonas' complicated backstory.
October 27, 2021
4.5 stars! Perfect romantic suspense read for the holidays!
December 1, 2020
5 Perfectly Naughty Stars!
I really loved Christie and Jonas. Christie was a bit awkward, shy and insecure. But when the right motivation arose, she was more than capable of standing up for herself. Add a sexy Santa to the mix and she’s marking her name on the naughty list in bright red paint. The transition was fun and engaging.
Jonas has held back from taking a chance with Christie but when a hot and steamy Christmas opportunity arrives, he jumps on it...and he’s determined to see it completed. I loved his protective, jealous actions mixed in with his uncertainty. A hero that experiences that mess of emotions is my kind of hero.
This couple had known each other for years, which helped to add to the development of the story and give their relationship a realistic foundation. While this was a fast read, it has a bit of mystery, some drama, action and of course plenty of steam. Christie and Jonas were hot enough to melt the snow on the roof!
Overall, a great holiday read, perfect for those quick breaks during the holiday preparations.
Dual POV
Safe
I really loved Christie and Jonas. Christie was a bit awkward, shy and insecure. But when the right motivation arose, she was more than capable of standing up for herself. Add a sexy Santa to the mix and she’s marking her name on the naughty list in bright red paint. The transition was fun and engaging.
Jonas has held back from taking a chance with Christie but when a hot and steamy Christmas opportunity arrives, he jumps on it...and he’s determined to see it completed. I loved his protective, jealous actions mixed in with his uncertainty. A hero that experiences that mess of emotions is my kind of hero.
This couple had known each other for years, which helped to add to the development of the story and give their relationship a realistic foundation. While this was a fast read, it has a bit of mystery, some drama, action and of course plenty of steam. Christie and Jonas were hot enough to melt the snow on the roof!
Overall, a great holiday read, perfect for those quick breaks during the holiday preparations.
Dual POV
Safe
December 4, 2020
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: http://www.romancingthereaders.com/20...
For me, this is a reread. I read it when it first came out in 2010 so when the author shared ARC's of it I thought why not, it's been so long I probably don't remember it. And I was right. Or at least I thought so till I started reading it and it all came back to me. It reminded me why I fell in love with Cynthia Eden.
This is the perfect story to read for the holidays. It's short enough to be able to read it in one sitting and you don't have to feel rushed with it. It's also a very sweet story.
I really enjoyed both Christie and Jonas. They are just really nice people. With Jonas being Christie's brother friend you have that little bit of taboo about not dating a friend's sister so it adds to the story. The story also has a good little mystery too. It doesn't overshadow their romance but really helps add to the story.
At the beginning of the book I wasn't happy with how Christie's brother treated her and thought he needed a slap upside the head but as the book goes on you can see he cares about her. I also liked how her parents felt about Jonas.
I'm so very glad that I decided to read this one again for it was well worth my time. If you are looking to read something sweet with the Christmas tree lights shine then this is your book.
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ARC received for an honest review
For me, this is a reread. I read it when it first came out in 2010 so when the author shared ARC's of it I thought why not, it's been so long I probably don't remember it. And I was right. Or at least I thought so till I started reading it and it all came back to me. It reminded me why I fell in love with Cynthia Eden.
This is the perfect story to read for the holidays. It's short enough to be able to read it in one sitting and you don't have to feel rushed with it. It's also a very sweet story.
I really enjoyed both Christie and Jonas. They are just really nice people. With Jonas being Christie's brother friend you have that little bit of taboo about not dating a friend's sister so it adds to the story. The story also has a good little mystery too. It doesn't overshadow their romance but really helps add to the story.
At the beginning of the book I wasn't happy with how Christie's brother treated her and thought he needed a slap upside the head but as the book goes on you can see he cares about her. I also liked how her parents felt about Jonas.
I'm so very glad that I decided to read this one again for it was well worth my time. If you are looking to read something sweet with the Christmas tree lights shine then this is your book.
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https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for an honest review
December 7, 2020
Cute read with a little mystery in the mix.
February 2, 2022
Cynthia Eden sent a signed copy to me. 😍🥰❤️💜📖📚
November 3, 2021
“Take my advice with this one,” Scotty said as his grin slid away. “Don’t screw up.”
Jonas raised a brow.
“Seriously. This one isn’t like the others.”
Christie wasn’t like anyone else that Jonas had ever met.
“We’re both gettin’ too old to spend our holidays alone.” Scotty looked out the front doors of the station. “There’s got to be more than crime scenes waiting for us. If you’re smart, you’ll take that ‘more’ that’s standing so close to you.”
The overflowing bookshelf wasn’t a surprise. She’d known Jonas loved to read.
What a delightful romantic suspense Christmas book. I wasn't expecting there to be suspense/a mystery involved in the plot, but I really enjoyed it. Christie was over being good. She was tired of crappy relationships. So, she decided to go for what she wants, or more like go for who she wants. Jonas has always wanted Christie but knew she was too good for him, so he never made a move. Plus, Christie is his best friend’s sister. She was off-limits. But when Christie made the move, he jumped at the opportunity. With Christie’s fear of past relationships not working out and with Jonas getting inside of his own head, can Christie and Jonas make this relationship work? Hot, steamy, suspenseful, mystery, snow, Christmas, a perfect story to read during the holidays. 4.75 stars.
Jonas raised a brow.
“Seriously. This one isn’t like the others.”
Christie wasn’t like anyone else that Jonas had ever met.
“We’re both gettin’ too old to spend our holidays alone.” Scotty looked out the front doors of the station. “There’s got to be more than crime scenes waiting for us. If you’re smart, you’ll take that ‘more’ that’s standing so close to you.”
The overflowing bookshelf wasn’t a surprise. She’d known Jonas loved to read.
What a delightful romantic suspense Christmas book. I wasn't expecting there to be suspense/a mystery involved in the plot, but I really enjoyed it. Christie was over being good. She was tired of crappy relationships. So, she decided to go for what she wants, or more like go for who she wants. Jonas has always wanted Christie but knew she was too good for him, so he never made a move. Plus, Christie is his best friend’s sister. She was off-limits. But when Christie made the move, he jumped at the opportunity. With Christie’s fear of past relationships not working out and with Jonas getting inside of his own head, can Christie and Jonas make this relationship work? Hot, steamy, suspenseful, mystery, snow, Christmas, a perfect story to read during the holidays. 4.75 stars.
December 4, 2020
This Christmas Christie has decided to be naughty. As the inventor of the toys at Tate’s Toys, Christie has always been the good girl. When Santa comes to deliver the toys at the Christmas party, she decides to tell him exactly what she wants. Jonas has known Christie for years but has been working undercover until six months ago. Now he’s a homicide detective and wants something more than no strings commitment. Jonas dresses as Santa and is shocked when Christie tell him her Christmas wish. Jonas gets Christie to agree to spending the holiday week with him and no strings attached. When someone destroys Christie’s office and then breaks into her home, Jonas promises to find the culprit and keep her close by. Jonas doesn’t think he’s good enough for Christie because of the things he has done and saw but he’s about to find out even his Christmas wish could come true.
Excellent short story. You’ve got sex, a little suspense, and Christmas time. What more do you need in a story? I loved it!
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for the author through Bookfunnel *
Excellent short story. You’ve got sex, a little suspense, and Christmas time. What more do you need in a story? I loved it!
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for the author through Bookfunnel *
December 1, 2020
Four and a half stars
Deck the Halls by Cynthia Eden is a delicious stand-alone novella to delight in the spirit of the season. Christie Tate's tired of being bound by her reputation as the good, smart one. The boring one. And when she realizes that the Santa at their holiday party is none other than the all-too delicious Jonas Kirk, she knows exactly what she's going to ask for this year...under the tree.
For his part, Jonas has found Christie all too appealing for years, but his friendship with her brother puts her squarely in the "don't look, don't touch, don't even think about it" category. But when Christie herself asks him directly to fulfill her heart's desire, how can he say anything but YES?
Cynthia Eden's story is a sweet, hot treat, sure to put you in the mood for some holiday fun! Jonas and Christie are wonderfully sympathetic characters, and I couldn't wait for them to find their way to each other. Ms Eden's Christmas tale is just right for the holidays!
Deck the Halls by Cynthia Eden is a delicious stand-alone novella to delight in the spirit of the season. Christie Tate's tired of being bound by her reputation as the good, smart one. The boring one. And when she realizes that the Santa at their holiday party is none other than the all-too delicious Jonas Kirk, she knows exactly what she's going to ask for this year...under the tree.
For his part, Jonas has found Christie all too appealing for years, but his friendship with her brother puts her squarely in the "don't look, don't touch, don't even think about it" category. But when Christie herself asks him directly to fulfill her heart's desire, how can he say anything but YES?
Cynthia Eden's story is a sweet, hot treat, sure to put you in the mood for some holiday fun! Jonas and Christie are wonderfully sympathetic characters, and I couldn't wait for them to find their way to each other. Ms Eden's Christmas tale is just right for the holidays!
December 11, 2020
This is a fun story set around Christmas with a little bit of criminal activity to go along with the plot.
We begin at the Tate Toys Christmas party where Christie, the genius young toy designer and family member is being gossiped about due to her recent break-up with another co-worker. He has cheated on her with a woman from accounting and Christie is done. The gossip does seem to bug her and she starts downing drinks. This gives her the courage to hop over to Santa (Josh) and tell him what she wants for Christmas - A REALLY GOOD TIME. He is all on it!
I love the next couple of scenes. Her brother is not happy.
Later trouble breaks out where her office has been trashed and even more goes on. It's a good read, really fun for Christmas!
Enjoy.
We begin at the Tate Toys Christmas party where Christie, the genius young toy designer and family member is being gossiped about due to her recent break-up with another co-worker. He has cheated on her with a woman from accounting and Christie is done. The gossip does seem to bug her and she starts downing drinks. This gives her the courage to hop over to Santa (Josh) and tell him what she wants for Christmas - A REALLY GOOD TIME. He is all on it!
I love the next couple of scenes. Her brother is not happy.
Later trouble breaks out where her office has been trashed and even more goes on. It's a good read, really fun for Christmas!
Enjoy.
December 8, 2023
Novellas are always better when there is a relationship established before the book. Brother’s best friend, childhood friend, whatever. It makes it so much more believable that they have a relationship.
I loved Jonas and Christie together. I LOVE his pining. Like since forever. I love a good elevator kiss.
Also, Christie’s brother was obnoxious and overbearing but let me tell you how much I loved that her parents (father predominantly) not only A. Understood she was an adult B. Trusted her to make her own choices, C. Apologized for not doing that in the past but also D. Called her brother out on his bullshit.
And I like that there was a little danger but it was much much more about their relationship (which was hot. OMG the panty thing 🥵🥵🥵)
I loved Jonas and Christie together. I LOVE his pining. Like since forever. I love a good elevator kiss.
Also, Christie’s brother was obnoxious and overbearing but let me tell you how much I loved that her parents (father predominantly) not only A. Understood she was an adult B. Trusted her to make her own choices, C. Apologized for not doing that in the past but also D. Called her brother out on his bullshit.
And I like that there was a little danger but it was much much more about their relationship (which was hot. OMG the panty thing 🥵🥵🥵)
December 28, 2020
Oh my gosh, I love Cynthia Eden's books! Christie is a toy designer at her families business. Her brothers best friend detective Jonas steps in to play Santa at a holiday party for the staff. After Christie overhears some co workers talking how frigid and how boring she was umm sexually. Christie gets upset and ends up in Santas lap. Jonas has always loved Christie from a far and out of respect for his friend and Christies brother, he didn't make a move but now that Christie is....all bets are off. It is fun to see these two fall in love. Great book! Loved to read it the day after Christmas.
January 12, 2023
Cute story - but huh. I was a little surprised it was published in 2020 - I kinda felt like it was/might've been published earlier?
...
I really liked Jonas and Christie together, and them being brave ... some of it was misunderstanding but it didn't wreck everything and in the story it was natural and understandable - they've known each other for years and been attracted but never acted on it till now.
I liked also that Christie was the one who initiated things.
I'd say it's a solid C?
Definitely not mad I read it but also definitely not one of my favorite Eden books.
...
I really liked Jonas and Christie together, and them being brave ... some of it was misunderstanding but it didn't wreck everything and in the story it was natural and understandable - they've known each other for years and been attracted but never acted on it till now.
I liked also that Christie was the one who initiated things.
I'd say it's a solid C?
Definitely not mad I read it but also definitely not one of my favorite Eden books.
December 3, 2020
A great holiday romance. Christie is tired of being the good girl. She asks Sexy Santa to show her a good time. Turns out he’s her brother’s best friend Jonas. Loved their chemistry. But he’s all about hookups, can she just be casual with him? There’s some suspense too, will Jonas figure out who is it? Love how possessive he is too. Loved their happy ever after. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.
December 18, 2021
Quick holiday cute read
I enjoyed this quick little holiday read. Christmas is a magical time of year and if you're good all your wishes could come true. Just one etsy bitsy question. Why is it when the H and the h know each other for years and lust or crush over each other silently and question their worthiness making them miserable. They should just fess up and save themselves all that angst. LOL
I enjoyed this quick little holiday read. Christmas is a magical time of year and if you're good all your wishes could come true. Just one etsy bitsy question. Why is it when the H and the h know each other for years and lust or crush over each other silently and question their worthiness making them miserable. They should just fess up and save themselves all that angst. LOL
December 1, 2020
Cynthia Eden made my heart sparkle and warm with this irresistibly sweet and fun Holiday romance!
This story was as usual with a book by Miss Eden, perfection! The hero is completely drool worthy and completely captivating and sexy as all get out, while the heroine felt like a friend I could relate to. Loved it!!
This story was as usual with a book by Miss Eden, perfection! The hero is completely drool worthy and completely captivating and sexy as all get out, while the heroine felt like a friend I could relate to. Loved it!!
December 8, 2020
Don't miss
What a great love story - with a bit of suspense thrown in. The characters of Jonas and Christie, pull you in, and it is impossible to put down this book. Highly recommend
What a great love story - with a bit of suspense thrown in. The characters of Jonas and Christie, pull you in, and it is impossible to put down this book. Highly recommend
December 9, 2020
It's shorter than what Im used 2 with her, but it's good that he proves himself as a protector 4 when it concerns her. Things in his past push him into a career path but he changed it 2 different kind that was not as overwhelming as his old 1. The truth will b received one way or the another.
December 20, 2020
Loved this quick holiday romance!
Very sweet and engaging. I love how Cynthia pulls you in so fast with all of her stories. This was a fun, sexy, and sweet holiday romance that you will enjoy to read by the fire with the Christmas lights twinkling!
Very sweet and engaging. I love how Cynthia pulls you in so fast with all of her stories. This was a fun, sexy, and sweet holiday romance that you will enjoy to read by the fire with the Christmas lights twinkling!
April 1, 2022
This was my favorite of Eden's holiday novellas. The toy company just kind of seems perfect as a work backdrop and for the drama/suspense element (corporate espionage), and the assumed backstory with Christie and Jonas adds a lot. It's on the steamier side.
December 26, 2022
Can I have a Jonah under my tree
This story is just what I needed. Love Christie and Jonah! Even though it is a short read, you really get to know the charge and feel that strong emotional connection.and there sexual chemistry is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This story is just what I needed. Love Christie and Jonah! Even though it is a short read, you really get to know the charge and feel that strong emotional connection.and there sexual chemistry is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
December 9, 2020
I'm halfway through and I just cannot... Queen of interrupted sentences! Shallow characters, empty story. I'm really giving up on this author :(
December 11, 2020
Wish this was a full length novel.
December 17, 2020
4.5 sweet.
December 24, 2020
3.75⭐
This was a cute, quick, Christmas romance. That had a few hot moments, likable characters, and a bit of mystery; and for the most part I was engaged.
This was a cute, quick, Christmas romance. That had a few hot moments, likable characters, and a bit of mystery; and for the most part I was engaged.
February 1, 2021
3 stars
nice christmas story.
nice christmas story.
February 2, 2021
Great read
Cynthia doesn't let you down with this book. Just as she hasn't with her others in the past. Hope you enjoy this read as much as I did.
Cynthia doesn't let you down with this book. Just as she hasn't with her others in the past. Hope you enjoy this read as much as I did.
November 4, 2021
loved
Oh how I absolutely just love this author and her writing. And this great little Christmas book made my day. Loved the characters. Was such a treat to read.
Oh how I absolutely just love this author and her writing. And this great little Christmas book made my day. Loved the characters. Was such a treat to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews